What Is a DEXA Scan?

The cost of a DEXA scan varies, based on where you live and the type of facility performing the test.

Insurance companies usually cover all or part of the cost if your doctor has ordered the scan as medically necessary. With insurance, you may have a copay.

The American Board of Internal Medicine estimates $125 as the baseline out-of-pocket charge. Some facilities may charge considerably more. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider, and if possible, shop around.

Medicare

Medicare Part B fully covers a DEXA test once every two years, or more often if it’s medically necessary, if you meet at least one of these criteria:

• Your doctor determines that you’re at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history.
• X-rays show the possibility of osteoporosis, osteopenia, or fractures.
• You’re taking a steroid drug, such as prednisone.
• You have primary hyperparathyroidism.
• Your doctor wants to monitor to see if your osteoporosis drug is working.

A DEXA scan is used to determine your risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. It may also be used to monitor whether your osteoporosis treatment is working. Usually the scan will target your lower spine and hips.

Standard X-ray diagnostics used before the development of the DEXA technology were only able to detect bone loss that was greater than 40 percent. DEXA can measure within 2 percent to 4 percent precision.

Before DEXA, the first sign of bone density loss might be when an older adult broke a bone.

When your doctor will order DEXA

Your doctor may order a DEXA scan:

• if you’re a woman over age 65 or a man over 70, which is the recommendation of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and other medical groups
• if you have symptoms of osteoporosis
• if you break a bone after age 50
• if you’re a man age 50 to 59 or a postmenopausal woman under 65 with risk factors

Osteoporosis risk factors include:

• use of tobacco and alcohol
• use of corticosteroids and some other drugs
• low body mass index
• some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• physical inactivity
• family history of osteoporosis
• previous fractures
• height loss of more than an inch

Measuring body composition

Another use for DEXA scans is to measure body composition, lean muscle, and fat tissue. DEXA is much more accurate than the traditional body mass index (BMI) in determining excess fat. A total body picture can be used to assess weight loss or muscle strengthening.

DEXA scans are usually outpatient procedures. There aren’t any special preparations needed, except to stop taking any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test.

Wear comfortable clothing. Depending on the body area being scanned, you may have to take off any clothes with metal fasteners, zippers, or hooks. The technician may ask you to remove any jewelry or other items, such as keys, that may contain metal. You may be given a hospital gown to wear during the exam.

Let your doctor know in advance if you’ve had a CT scan requiring use of a contrast material or had a barium exam. They may ask you to wait a few days before scheduling a DEXA scan.

You should let the doctor know if you’re pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. They may want to defer the DEXA scan until after you have the baby or take special precautions.

The DEXA apparatus includes a flat padded table that you lie on. A movable arm above holds the X-ray detector. A device that produces X-rays is below the table.

The technician will position you on the table. They may place a wedge under your knees to help flatten your spine for the image, or to position your hip. They may also position your arm for scanning.

The technician will ask you to hold very still while the imaging arm above slowly moves across your body. The X-ray radiation level is low enough to allow the technician to remain in the room with you while operating the device.

The whole process takes just a few minutes.

Your DEXA results will be read by a radiologist and given to you and your doctor in a few days.

The scoring system for the scan measures your bone loss against that of a healthy young adult, according to standards established by the WHO. This is called your T score. It’s the standard deviation between your measured bone loss and the average.

• A score of -1 or above is considered normal.
• A score between -1.1 and -2.4 is considered as osteopenia, increased risk for fracture.
• A score of -2.5 and below is considered as osteoporosis, high risk for fracture.

Your results may also give you a Z score, which compares your bone loss to that of others in your age group.

The T score is a measure of relative risk, not a prediction that you’ll have a fracture.

Your doctor will go over the tests results with you. They’ll discuss whether treatment is necessary, and what your treatment options are. The doctor may want to follow up with a second DEXA scan in two years, to measure any changes.

If your results indicate osteopenia or osteoporosis, your doctor will discuss with you what you can do to slow bone loss and stay healthy.

Treatment may simply involve lifestyle changes. Your doctor may advise you to start weight-bearing exercises, balance exercises, strengthening exercises, or a weight loss program.

If your vitamin D or calcium levels are low, they may start you on supplements.

If your osteoporosis is more severe, the doctor may advise that you take one of the many drugs that are designed to strengthen bones and lessen bone loss. Be sure to ask about side effects of any drug treatment.

Making a lifestyle change or starting a medication to help slow your bone loss is a good investment in your health and longevity. Studies suggest that 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

It’s also helpful to stay informed about new studies and possible new treatments. If you’re interested in talking with other people who have osteoporosis, the NOF has support groups around the country.